Norway
Northern Norway is one of the most established and accessible aurora destinations in the world. The coastline from Bodø northwards lies well within the auroral oval, and the Gulf Stream keeps temperatures milder than you might expect at these latitudes, making winter travel comfortable compared to inland Arctic locations at similar latitudes.
Tromsø, the largest city in northern Norway, is the most popular base, with a lively cultural scene and dozens of aurora tour operators. Lofoten’s jagged peaks and fishing villages offer some of the most photogenic aurora backdrops anywhere. Alta, where the world’s first aurora observatory was built, has dry, stable skies, and Longyearbyen on Svalbard takes the experience to the extreme with polar night and midnight aurora.
Norway’s fjord coastline, snow-covered mountains and colourful harbourside towns give the Northern Lights a distinctive Scandinavian setting. Dog sledding, whale watching, Sámi cultural experiences and the Hurtigruten coastal voyage add to the appeal. The country’s good transport links, with direct flights to Tromsø, Alta and Bodø from Oslo and other European cities, make northern Norway straightforward to reach.
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Alta
69°58'8"N, 23°16'17"E
Aurora probability in Alta: 19%
Alta, in Norway’s Finnmark county at 70°N, has a long history with the Northern Lights, the world’s first aurora observatory was built here in 1899. A dry, stable climate and vast surrounding wilderness make it an excellent base for aurora viewing.
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Bodø
67°17'11"N, 14°23'57"E
Aurora probability in Bodø: 20%
Bodø, just north of the Arctic Circle on Norway’s Nordland coast, is a modern city and 2024 European Capital of Culture. Its coastal location, proximity to Lofoten and Saltstraumen, and regular Northern Lights activity make it a versatile Arctic base.
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Lofoten
68°8'47"N, 13°36'34"E
Aurora probability in Lofoten: 21%
Lofoten is an archipelago of dramatic peaks and fishing villages above the Arctic Circle in Norway. Calm fjord reflections, colourful rorbuer and open beaches facing north make it one of the most photogenic aurora viewing locations in the world.
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Tromsø
69°38'57"N, 18°57'19"E
Aurora probability in Tromsø: 19%
Tromsø, northern Norway’s largest city at nearly 70°N, is one of the world’s most popular aurora destinations. Frequent Northern Lights activity, a vibrant cultural scene and easy access to dark-sky fjords and mountains make it an ideal base for aurora viewing.
Book an amazing adventure in Norway
Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Norway.
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Bergen Mostraumen Fjord Cruise with Live Guide
4.8 (391)
3 hours 30 minutes From £69.86
Bergen-Modalen-Bergen via Mostraumen with our family run company! This tour takes you through steep mountains and deep fjords, starting at Zachariasbryggen and heading towards Modalen. As we leave Bergen, we pass the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen, as well as the historic areas of Skuteviken, Sandviken, and Old Bergen. The journey continues through ancient Viking landscapes to the famous tidal current Mostraumen, where you’ll experience dramatic and untouched scenery. Enjoy and listen to stories from professionals guide from Norwegian Guide Service on board. Departure 1: 11.00 from Zachariasbryggen by Fisketorget (Torget 2). We will return to Bergen and arrive ca 14.30. Departure 2: 15.00 from Zachariasbryggen by Fisketorget (Torget 2). We will return to Bergen and arrive ca 18.30. Enjoy an English speaking live guide on the boat. Guiding brochures in multiple languages.
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Guided Tour Viking Village Naeroyfjord Cruise and Flam Railway
4.8 (506)
10 hours 30 minutes From £331.82
Join an unforgettable full-day journey through Norway’s dramatic fjord landscapes, combining Viking history, a Premium fjord cruise, and the world-famous Flam Railway. Travel by comfortable panorama bus into the fjord region, including a scenic photo stop along the way. Experience an authentic Viking village with a guided tour and insight into daily life during the Viking Age. Enjoy a 2-hour Premium Fjord Cruise on a modern electric ship with panoramic windows, cosy indoor lounges, and open decks, sailing through the breathtaking Naeroyfjord – one of the world’s narrowest fjords and part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Ride the legendary Flam Railway, one of the steepest railways in the world, through spectacular mountain scenery with a stop at the impressive Kjosfossen Waterfall. Perfect for travellers who want to see Norway’s highlights in one unforgettable day.
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Guided Tour To Nærøyfjorden, Flåm & Stegastein - incl. 2h cruise
4.8 (1193)
11 hours From £220.80
This full day fjord tour have all the Norwegian nature you want to see! With high quality minibus, and a driver/guide who gives you the best service and knowledge possible, you don't want to miss out on this tour. Experience driving through scenic landscape, exploring Nærøyfjorden on an electric cruise, seeing the most majestic waterfalls and get a panoramic view from Stegastein Viewpoint. Fjordrive will provide you the best travel experience in a day. We can't wait to show you what Western Norway has to offer! Other info: - Children under the age of 4 years old are not allowed on this tour. - No animals allowed on the tour. - Disclaimer: If unforeseen events occur, such as weather conditions/landslide/natural disasters/technical issues with train/cruise, Fjordrive is not responsible for covering costs for missing flights, hotel costs etc. Fjordrive can change the schedule on the tour if unforeseen events like traffic issues, closed roads etc. occur.
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Lysefjord RIB Safari from Stavanger
4.9 (805)
2 hours From £115.60
This unforgettable tour to the amazing Lysefjord is absolutely a must if you visit Stavanger! The 42 kilometer long fjord is flanked by steep mountains, some rising over 1000 meters. Visiting the fjord on board a seaworthy RIB is the most exciting way to explore the fjord from sea level. The tour includes stops on the most beautiful parts of the fjord, including the famous Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen). You will be taken good care of by our experienced captains who have sailed in these water for many years. You get to experience some of the most amazing nature Norway has to offer. The tour starts and ends in the centre of Stavanger and is two hours long. Bring your camera!
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Bergen: UNESCO NærøyFjord Cruise, Flåm & Stegastein - Incl. Lunch
4.8 (163)
12 hours From £253.65
Experience the best of Western Norway on a full-day bus tour from Bergen, combining spectacular fjords, waterfalls and mountain scenery. Unlike many other tours, a light lunch and a coffee stop are included. Throughout the journey, your dedicated local guide shares fascinating stories about Norway, while a separate professional driver takes care of the road. We pass the Osterfjord and Voss area before stopping at Tvindefossen waterfall (visited on the return journey from June to September). One of the highlights of the day is a 2-hour cruise through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest fjords in the world. Admire towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque villages along the way. The cruise brings you to charming Flåm, with free time to explore before visiting Stegastein Viewpoint for breathtaking fjord panoramas. On the return journey, enjoy a relaxing coffee break in a scenic setting, surrounded by breathtaking Norwegian landscapes
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Stavanger Electric Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord and Preikestolen
4.5 (94)
3 hours 30 minutes From £74.01
Discover the beauty of Norway’s Lysefjord on a 3-3.5-hour electric cruise from Stavanger. Step aboard a fully electric catamaran and enjoy silent sailing past dramatic waterfalls, steep mountains, and the iconic Preikestolen, rising 604 meters above the fjord. Sail into the legendary Vagabond’s Cave, cruise beneath Preikestolen, and get near the powerful Hengjanefossen waterfall, where you may feel the refreshing spray. Keep your camera ready for wildlife and our mountain goats, Gunnar and Sigve, who often greet the boat. Relax on board with spacious outdoor decks, panoramic windows, and an indoor lounge designed for great views in every season. Your audio guide brings the fjord to life with stories about its history and local legends, while the onboard café offers coffee, drinks, and freshly baked pastries. Departing from Stavanger city center, this cruise is easy to reach and ideal for travelers looking for a low-emission way to experience one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords.
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